Action doll

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a toy doll for the amusement of a subject, that includes a torso, body, ahead and limbs, designed, sized and dimensioned for enabling the doll to be worn on the body of the subject in a position thereon sufficient for engaging in a “piggy back” and/or “horsey” style play. The child may engage the instant doll in such “piggy back” and/or “horse” style play, while in sitting, crawling and upright (or standing) play. The toy doll includes an electronic sound emanating module portions of which can be activated by releasably connecting one limb of the doll to another limb of the doll about the body of the subject. The doll includes a motion sensor including an averaging circuit for enabling substantially continuous sound such as galloping, while the doll is in motion. Optionally, the doll includes a tilt sensor for emanating a “neighing” sound when the longitudinal axis of the doll is tilted relative to the vertical axis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Broadly the present invention relates to a toy for the amusement of asubject. More specifically, the invention relates to a toy doll for theamusement of a child. Still more specifically, the invention relates toa toy doll having elements designed for enabling a child to engage it in“piggy back” and/or “horsey” play.

THE PRIOR ART

Various relevant toy dolls and elements thereof have been proposed bythe prior art as exemplified by the following United States Patentswhich are incorporated herein in their entireties for the purpose to aidin enabling the person of ordinary skill in the art to practice theinstant invention.

For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,381 teaches a toy bear or baby dollthat laughs or sings a nursery song when bounded or dandled. Aparticular area on the rump of the doll is pressure sensitive andproduces the given sound when a pressure level is detected in thatparticular area that is within a range of pressure levels produced whenthe doll's rump contacts the child's knee in a gentle bounce. Tappingone of the bear's knees selects a respective song and controls the soundgenerator's mode of operation.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,376,038 relates to talking dolls of the type havinginternal prerecorded speech mechanisms. More particularly, thisinvention relates to talking dolls of the type having internalprerecorded speech mechanisms, wherein the doll's educational speech isactivated by pressing on certain parts of the doll's body and headregion. Still more particularly, this invention relates to talking dollsof the type having internal prerecorded speech mechanisms, wherein thedoll's educational speech can be programmed by the user to play phrasesin a desired sequence. Still more particularly, this invention relatesto talking dolls of the type having internal prerecorded speechmechanisms, wherein the doll's educational speech is programmed toadvance with the child user and to educate the child user as to thenames and functions of the different body parts.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,201,683 teaches a doll that incorporates a mechanism andelectric circuit that, originating from a general activation motor whichmoves a series of engagements, brings about a correlative series ofmovements which cause the doll to crawl and give out a message and,subsequently, to stop crawling and raise the trunk of its body and head,to turn its head and give out a new message. These movements are basedon the eccentric operating several elements related to the arms, legsand head. Likewise, the emission of the messages is based on parts whichare independent but combined electrically and mechanically with thegeneral mechanism in order that, altogether, they achieve a successionof movements which are repeated constantly until a general switch isactivated by means of, for example, a dummy, or by means of a ballswitch activated automatically when the doll is picked up and putupright.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,923,428 discloses an interactive, articulated talkingtoy that talks and moves certain of its body parts (eyes, mouth, headand arms) in correspondence to microprocessor control that is based uponprogram material selected from a tape storage device incorporated in thebody of the toy. The material selected is determined by a human'sresponse to questions asked by the toy. The material stored on tapecontains both audio and data. The processor chooses a particular one ofa possible three audio tracks stored on the tape on the basis of thespecific response or non-response made by a human. The data trackprovides data to the processor which causes it to control the toy's bodyparts in concert with the audio program being reproduced. The toy haslimited work recognition capabilities. The result is the appearance ofinteraction between the toy and a human by the toy's movement of itsbody parts and its speech seeming to respond to the human's input.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,809,335 teaches a speech unit for producing preselectedwords or phrases based on the orientation of a toy doll or figure. Agravity sensing means produces an output corresponding to theorientation of the sensing means with respect to gravity. The output ofthe sensing means is coupled to a speech synthesizer which produces anoutput based on transitions from one orientation of the sensing means toa second orientation. A timing circuit coupled to the sensing meansestablishes a time period during which the sensing means must maintainits orientation for an output to be realized. The timing means also isused to shut off power to the speech synthesizer and speaker means toconserve power of the circuit. In an alternate embodiment, the absoluteposition of the sensing means is used to select a speech output.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,411,096 relates to a toy in the form of a doll or statuerepresenting a human figure. The toy includes a body and a head which iscompletely separable from the body. The head is contoured and balancedin such a way that when displaced downwardly from its normal at restposition atop the body, it rolls back upwardly to its normal position,seemingly in defiance of gravity. The movement of the head toward itsnormal position is accomplished by one or more weights embedded in thehead, which provide the necessary torque to cause it to move upwardly toits position on the shoulders.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,249,338 teaches a doll that includes a crying soundgenerator within the dolly body, a first switch for actuating the cryingsound generator, at least two additional switches, and an automaticselection arrangement for determining which of the additional switchesis connected to stop the crying. The additional switch may be operatedby manipulating the doll, e.g., by giving it a bottle, by changing itsdiaper, or by picking it up and patting its back. In a play sequence thechild actuates the switch to produce crying sounds and then attempts tostop the crying by handling the doll in one of the ways stated. When thechild hits upon the type of handling which operates the particularadditional switch selected by the random selector, the crying soundsstop. A short sequence of sighing or cooing sounds may be used at theend of the crying sounds.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,973,840 discloses a mannequin that includes a head partand a torso part adjustably joined together. In the torso part a soundmoving picture projector is mounted to project facial images on a filmin a light beam upwardly through the neck in to the head as the film ismoved through the projector. Simultaneously sound from a track on thefilm is picked up, amplified and audibly reproduced. The sound andfacial images are correlated to simulate a speaking person. The headpart has a face piece with well defined forehead, nose, cheeks and chinbut only smooth areas for eyes and mouth which is molded of transparentplastic and surface coated as a rear projection screen. An arrangementin the head receives the light beam from the projector and transmit ontothe rear projection screen so that the projected facial featurescorrespond in location to the facial features on the face piece. Anelectrical circuit supplies current of proper voltage to a motor tooperate the movable parts of the projector, to a lamp to supply thelight beam and to an amplifier for the sound reproduction means. Thefilm is preferably endless in a removable cassette that automaticallyrewinds after it passes through the film gate and sound pick up means. Aremote switch may be provided to start the projector and automatic meansmay stop it at the end of the message.

Otherwise, U.S. Pat. No. 3,755,950 teaches a doll that has a talkingmechanism which stores a plurality of spoken expressions that can beinitiated by moving on or another of its appendages; U.S. Pat. No.3,514,899 discloses a doll that includes a talking mechanism, e.g., amotor operated crying and/or appendage-moving mechanism, as well as acircuit for activating the mechanism; and, U.S. Pat. No. 2,334,472relates to a rocking horse that is designed to carry a doll.

The history of the United States continues to influence us in oureveryday lives. No other phase of American history has been moreinfluential on the American public that the history of the our Old West.The American movie industry it has given rise to thousands of“westerns,” that have influenced the play of generations of Americanchildren. It is great part from this influence that “piggy back” and/or“horsey” children's play evolved.

Thus, it would be of great advantage and joy to a child to have a dollwith which to engage in the play of “piggy back” or “horsey.”

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention in large part solves the problems of the prior andaddresses a long felt need by providing a novel toy.

The instant invention provides a novel toy doll with which a young childcan engage in traditional child's play.

It is therefore an object of the instant invention to provide a new andimproved toy which has all of the advantages of the prior art and noneof its disadvantages.

It is another object of the instant invention to provide a new andimproved toy which may be easily and efficiently manufactured andmarketed.

It is another object of the instant invention to provide a new andimproved toy which is a durable and reliable construction.

It is another object of the instant invention to provide a new andimproved toy which can be manufactured at low cost with regard to bothlabor and materials, and which accordingly can be sold at a low cost ascompared to prior art toys, thus promoting commerce.

It is a further object of the instant invention to provide a new andimproved toy doll which provides at least some of the advantages of theprior art schemes, while simultaneously eliminating at least some of thedisadvantages of them.

It is a further object of the instant invention to provide a new andimproved, entertaining toy doll having at least two stretchable,detachably connectable limbs designed to enable the toy doll to be wornon the shoulders or back of a child in “piggy back” or “horsey” or“on-one-knee” style.

It is a further object of the instant invention to provide a new andimproved, entertaining, sound emanating, toy doll intended to be worn onthe shoulders or back of a child in “piggy back” or “horsey” or“on-one-knee” style.

It is a further object of the instant invention to provide a new andimproved toy doll with which a young child can engage in the “piggyback” or “horsey” play in a same or similar manner as real childrenoften ride upon an adult's back or shoulders when playing “piggy back”or “horsey,” and, which will produce sounds appropriate to such play ina semi-automatic manner.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a new and improvedtoy doll which may be position on the back of the child. The ends of thelegs of the doll may then be detachably connected around the waste ofthe child. The left arm of the doll may then be draped over the leftshoulder of the child, and, the right arm of the doll may then be drapedover the right shoulder of the child. The child then may grasp therespective hands of the doll and thereafter engage the doll in “horsey”or “piggy back” in upright or standing play.

Optionally, it is a further object of the invention to provide a toydoll that can be engaged by a child from a sitting position. The ends ofthe legs of the doll may be releasably attached around a thigh or ankleof the child. The child then grasps the ends of the arms of the doll andengage it in “horsey” or “piggy back” play.

Optionally further, it is an object of the invention to provide a dollwhich a child may engage in “horsey” or “piggy back” play, while incrawling position.

It is an object of the invention to provide further optional modes ofoperation of the toy doll of the invention that include: (a) positioningthe doll on the back of the child; and releasably connecting one arm ofthe doll with the opposite leg of the doll so that the arm of the dollpasses over one shoulder of the child and the leg passes under theopposite shoulder.

In like manner, it is an object of the invention to provide a mode ofoperation that contemplates releasable attachment between respectivearms and legs of the doll.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a less preferredmode of play that contemplates all of the limitations of the foregoingless preferred modes, except that the body of the doll is positionedover the breast of the child.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the instant invention, in itsdetails of construction and arrangement of parts, will be seen from theabove, from the following description of the preferred embodiments whenconsidered in light of the drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an electronic schematic of a preferred embodiment of thesound producing module of the instant invention.

FIG. 2 shows a cutaway partial side elevation view of a preferredembodiment of the doll of the instant invention in a substantiallyvertical orientation.

FIG. 3 shows a cutaway partial side elevation view of a preferredembodiment of the doll of the instant invention in an orientationinclined relative to the vertical axis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a doll for attaching to the back orshoulders of a child for “horsey” or “piggy-back” play. When used, thedoll will magically emit galloping or and/or neighing sounds. Referringparticularly to FIG. 1; integrated circuit U1 is a typical, commonlyavailable “voice IC” having the capacity to playback stored digitizedsounds subject to the control of a software program. The circuitryparticularly depicted in support of this function, are oscillator R3,bias resistor R4, amplified Q1, loudspeaker SPKR, and battery B1. Thiscircuitry is well known in the prior art and is incorporated into theinstant invention as an old element making up part of a novelcombination. Circuit U1 also embodies a number of trigger inputs: TG1,TG2, and TG3. The circuit can thereby be configured to recognize logicstates and/or transitions at these inputs and accordingly executevarious other diverse software routines. In the depicted most preferredembodiment S1 is a motion sensor for detecting the “bouncing” motion ofa child acting out the part of a horse. However, to further facilitate“horsey” play, it would also be desirable to provide continuous playbackof galloping sound effects as long as motion is detected. Thus, thepreferred embodiment of the invention includes an averaging circuitcomprised of R1, R2 and C1 inserted between S1 and the TG1 of U1. Theaveraging portion of the circuit is designed to provide continuousactivation of at least a portion of the circuit U1, despiteinterruptions caused by the brief pulses generated by the motion sensorS1. By providing this averaging portion in the preferred embodiment, thecomparatively brief pulses generated by the motion sensor S1 areaveraged to a substantial level of steady-state at TG1, characteristicof motion input from the child engaged in “horsey” play. Thus, thecircuit U2 is enabled to produce substantially continuous sound untilsuch motion ceases. Switches S2 and S3 are the tilt sensor and limbconnectors, respectively. Closure of switch S1 when the child “rearsback” is preferably designed to generate a software interrupt triggeringa “neighing” sound. The circuit U1 is preferably programmed to disregardsignals from trigger inputs TG1 and TG2 unless at least two of the limbsof the doll are connected together and switch S3 is closed. In thismode, activation of the circuit U1 is precluded during those times whenthe child is not engaging the doll in “horsey” play. In the mostpreferred embodiment of the invention, only the legs of the doll areprovided with connectors. In the preferred embodiment of the invention,the legs are preferably formed at least in part, of a stretchableelastomeric polymeric material such as a synthetic rubber, or the like.Typical of these type of polymers are: hydrogenated polybutadiene,polyisobutylene and copolymers thereof such as butyl rubber,ethylene-propylene rubber, (EPM), a copolymer of ethylene-vinyl acetate,a copolymer of ethylene-ethylacrylate, EPDM (ethylene-propylene-dienemonomer), a hydrogenated triblock copolymer ofstyrene-butadiene-styrene, and the like.

In an alternative embodiment, the arms of the doll are formed of astretchable material. In yet another alternative embodiment, the legsand the arms of the doll are formed of a stretchable material. Theconnectors include electrically conductive contacting portions so as toenable closure of switch S3 complete that portion of the circuit. Theconnectors embody an conventional type such as a male/female snapmembers, a male/female interlocking (a.k.a., hook and loop) members suchas Velcro®, a button/eye arrangement, and the like. Preferably theconnector members are attached to only to the ends of the legs of theinstant doll. Optionally the connector members may be fixed to ends ofthe arms of the doll as well. The child then grasps the respective handsof the doll, each over a respective shoulder of the child; and, proceedsto engage in “horsey” play. Alternatively, while in a sitting position,the child may grasp the hands of the doll while the doll is positionedon the knee or foot of the child.

FIG. 2 shows a cutaway partial side elevation view of a preferredembodiment of the doll of the instant invention in a substantiallyvertical orientation. Specifically depicted is the housing 1 containedwithin the upper torso of the doll 2 of the instant invention. Thishousing 1 contains the electronic sound module schematically depicted inFIG. 1. As referenced in foregoing FIG. 1, the sound module includes aloudspeaker (SPKR) 3, batteries (B1) (not specifically depicted), motionsensor (S1) 4, and tilt sensor 5, all disposed within the body of thedoll 2 (for the sake of clarity, the batteries and interconnectingwiring are not depicted). For the purpose of illustration only, themotion sensor is preferably of the well known type comprises of ametallic, electrically conductive spring member positioned in proximityof a rigid conductive member. When motion occurs perpendicularly to thefree axis of the spring, the spring is thereby caused to flex therebymaking electrical contact with the rigid member, thereby in turncompleting a portion of the electrical circuit U1. By simply adjustingthe mechanical parameters of the assembly, the device can be made moreor less sensitive to vertical motion than to horizontal motion, thusproviding a reliable indication that a child is bouncing up and down in“horsey” play. As previously noted, the foregoing is merely one of aplethora of types of motion sensors known to the prior art. Thus, theseother types of motion sensors of course are suitable for thisapplication without departing from the spirit of the instant invention.Optionally a weighted portion (not depicted) may be added to the lowerend of the torso of the doll of the instant invention, so as to lowerthe center of gravity thereof.

Also illustrated in FIG. 2 are the stretchable, detachably connectablearms 9 shown in long-short dash lines in their normal condition and inshort dash lines in their extended, stretched condition. In addition,the stretchable, detachably connectable legs 10 are shown in long-shortdash lines in their normal condition and in short dash lines in theirextended, stretched condition. Connector means 11, such as Velcro®straps, are illustrated as being secured to the extremities of the arms9 and legs 10.

FIG. 13 shows a cutaway partial side elevation view of a preferredembodiment of the doll of the instant invention in an orientationinclined relative to the vertical axis. The tilt sensor 5 is typicallyof the type comprised of a conductive ball 6 that is free to roll in aconfined track or tube 7; and, a pair of contacts 8 at one end thereof.When the ball 6 is caused to roll to the end of the track or tube 7 thataccommodates the contacts 8, a portion of the circuit U1 is completedacross the contacts 8. In this FIG. 3, the child has stood up or “rearedback” in the manner of a horse, thereby causing the doll 2, that isdetached affixed to the back, knee or shoulders of the child, to becomeoriented more to the horizontal plane. The ball 6 in the tilt sensor 5then is caused to roll to the opposite end of the track or tube 7 thataccommodates contacts 8; thereby causing that portion of circuit U1 tobe completed. Completion of the circuit U1 in this manner triggers aspecific sound from the electronics module, such as the neighing orwhinnying of a horse. Of course, neighing or whinnying is specific tothe preferred embodiment as described above, and is by no means intendedto limit the instant invention.

Although not particularly depicted in any of the foregoing FIGURES,optionally, the center of gravity of the doll may be lowered by placingi.e., a sandbag or the like in the seat thereof. A further option forlowering the center of gravity of the doll is effected by locating thebattery holders (and hence the batteries) as low as possible relative tothe doll when oriented in an upright position. These options operate tomaintain the doll in a substantial upright position when it is strappedaround the waist or chest of a child engaged in crawling play.

MODES OF OPERATION

As previously herein noted, in the preferred mode of operation theinstant action doll is positioned on the back of the child. The ends ofthe legs of the doll are then detachably connected around the waste ofthe child. The left arm of the doll is draped over the left shoulder ofthe child; and, the right arm of the doll is draped over the rightshoulder of the child. The child then grasps the respective hands of thedoll and thereafter engages the doll in “horsey” or “piggy back” inupright or standing play. Optionally, from a sitting position, the endsof the legs of the doll may be releasably attached around a thigh orankle of the child. As, in the case above, the child then grasps theends of the arms of the doll and engages it in “horsey” or “piggy back”play. As indicated above, use of the doll in crawling play is alsocontemplated by the invention.

Less preferred modes of operation include: (a) positioning the doll onthe back of the child; and releasably connecting one arm of the dollwith the opposite leg of the doll so that the arm of the doll passesover one shoulder of the child and the leg passes under the oppositeshoulder. In like manner, the invention also contemplates releasableattachment between respective arms and legs of the doll. A still lesspreferred mode of play contemplates all of the limitations of theforegoing less preferred modes, except that the body of the doll ispositioned over the breast of the child.

As noted above, through the action of the averaging circuit, while thechild is engaged in a “bounding” motion (as in acting out the part of ahorse), continuous playback of galloping sound effects may be caused toemanate from the doll so long as such motion is detected. Thecomparatively brief pulses characteristic of motion input from the childengaged in “horsey” play are averaged to a substantial level ofsteady-state. Thus, substantially continuous sound emanates until suchmotion ceases. When the child “rears back” & “neighing” sound isgenerated. During those times when the child is not engaging the doll in“horsey” play and none of the limbs of the doll are connected, no soundis generated.

The foregoing modes are merely exemplary, and are in no way intended tolimit the invention.

The terms “piggy back” and/or “horsey”, as used herein, relates to anyand/or all manners which enables a subject to affix a toy to their neckand/or back and/or shoulders and/or knee during play to emulate themanner in which an adult carries a child in “piggy back” and/or “horsey”fashion.

Although the invention has been described with reference to certainpreferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations andmodifications may be made within the scope of the broad principles ofthe invention. Hence, it is intended that the preferred embodiments andall of such variations and modifications be included within the scopeand spirit of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A doll for the amusement of a child comprising: detachablyconnectable limbs; an electronic sound emanating module having a tiltmotion sensor which is activated when the position of said doll changesfrom a substantially vertical position toward a horizontal position,said limbs and said module being designed to enable a child to engage in“horsey” or “piggy-back” style play with said doll; and, a circuit meansfor providing playback of sound when motion of said doll is detectedthrough said motion sensor.
 2. The doll of claim 1, wherein saiddetachably connectable limbs include a stretchable material.
 3. The dollof claim 2 wherein said detachably connectable limbs further includedetachable connectors at the extremities thereof.
 4. The doll of claim 1wherein said motion sensor includes detecting a bouncing motion of saiddoll.
 5. The doll of claim 1 which includes means for continuousactivation of at least a portion of said circuit means despiteinterruptions caused by brief pulses detected by said motion sensor. 6.The doll of claim 5 which includes a switch means having electricallyconductible contacts fixed to the extremities of said limbs which areactuable when said limbs are placed into contact with one another. 7.The doll of claim 1, wherein the sound is a galloping sound.
 8. The dollof claim 1, wherein the sound is a neighing sound.
 9. A doll for theamusement of a child, said doll having a circuit in an electronic soundmodule and comprising: a tilt motion sensor for detecting the motion ofsaid doll and activating a sound when said child “rears back” in“horsey” or “piggy-back” play with said doll; and circuit meansproviding continuous playback of said sound as long as motion isdetected in said doll through said motion sensor, said motion sensoractivating said circuit means.
 10. The doll of claim 9 wherein the soundis a galloping sound or a neighing sound.